SAFIA ProfileCorner Hotel's rooftop fills rapidly before the advertised 8pm doors open time. This is the third of SAFIA's four sold-out gigs in a row at this venue.
First support act Owen Rabbit plays his soft electronic tunes to the eager crowd, easing us into the night. Before long, Boo Seeka is up and the room fills quickly. Patrons are treated to their recent hit Deception Bay and three brand new crackers, one of which resembles Opio. Boo Seeka entwine Eurythmics song Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) into one of their final tracks.
Since their formation, SAFIA have grown quickly, not just in popularity but also sound and confidence. Lead Singer Ben Woolner holds a crazy energy when jumping around the stage, immediately capturing our attention with first track Counting Sheep. Michael Bell and Harry Sayers both hold the distinguishable rhythms together. Woolner is also known for his voice and certainly doesn't hold back. However, SAFIA have played many big festival stages and haven't quite mastered the transition to venue just yet. Most audience members are ready to jump around to SAFIA's bigger numbers, but are confined by lack of space. The number of phones raised in the air also make it awkward to pogo for too long. Before we know it, the band leave the stage. But they haven't yet played Embracing Me! Isn't this their latest single and also the name of/reason for this tour?
Encouraged back for an encore, SAFIA play an instrumental song for our last chance to dance, leaving Embracing Me until last.
